The 2022 Men’s North American & Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC) got underway yesterday with the first day of pool play. Here’s a summary of the matches that took place
USA – Greenland 36-28 (19-14)
The USA and Greenland played a physical and sometimes heated contest which saw both defenses meet attacking play head on and aggressively. The sides traded goals to star and at the 5 minute mark the score was tied 3-3. Following 2 goals in rapid succession by Ian Huter and Sam Hoddersen the U.S. had its first two goal lead and from then on the U.S. would gradually extend their lead to 12-7 midway through the first half. Greenland then managed to keep pace the rest of the half for an eventual halftime score of 19-14.
The second half saw the U.S. maintain their lead and eventually pull further ahead for a 10 goal lead. Overall, the U.S. was more consistent with its backcourt shooting and was able to take advantage of more fast break opportunities, netting a couple of empty net goals in quick succession when Greenland was down a man.
Sam Hoddersen led the U.S. in scoring with 9 goals while Abou Fofana and Ty Reed scored 7 and 5 respectively. Akutaaneq Kreutzmann led Greenland with 7 goals and Archibald Lennert had 5.
Match Report: Link
Post Match Interviews with Coaches: GRL USA
Mexico – Cuba 33-25 (13-16)
The 2nd match between Cuba and Mexico saw a major surprise as Mexico recorded their first ever victory over Cuba in a Sr Men’s competition. It did not initially appear that history would be made as while the match was close in the first half Cuba appeared to have the upper hand when Ronaldo Almeida score on a nice Kempa to extend the lead to 15-10. While Mexico fought back for an eventual 16-13 halftime score it seemed as if Cuba were in control of the match. That while Mexico would make Cuba work for the victory, the Cubans would eventually extend their lead and come out on top.
The second half, however, was not that story. Instead Mexico and Cuba battled back and forth, goal for goal and with 13 minutes left in the match the score was tied 22-22. At which point, it was Mexico that took control of the match outscoring Cuba 13-3 in the final 13 minutes for a commanding 33-25 victory.
Many factors contributed to the Mexican victory including strong play by goalkeeper Francisco Muniz and a patient offense that found pivots and wings for excellent scoring chances. Additionally as the Mexican lead increased the Cuban offense was hurried with tougher shots being taken and leading to Mexican fast break opportunities.
Arturo Sandoval led Mexico in scoring with 7 goals with Sergio Sanchez and Luis Avalos scoring 5 each. Cuba was led in scoring a Dariel Garcia with 6 goals and Hanser Rodriguez with 5.
Match Report: Link
Post Match Interviews
- Mexican Head Coach Angel Rojas: Link (in Spanish)
- NORCA Federation and Mexican Federation President: Mario Garcia de la Torre: Link
Match Day 2
Tonight’s first match, Greenland vs Cuba, will feature two teams looking for their first win. A win for either side will put them right back into contention for the top two places while a loss may eliminate them. The nightcap will have long time rivals the USA and Mexico facing off for first place in the group.
Competition Page: Link
